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Youth Education: Teachers

The Youth Education Program offers a variety of activities for school groups, summer programs and teachers. Stay current on our California standards-based programs that help you connect your students to the natural world by signing up for Teacher Updates below. Also see Resources for more material to help plan a visit and prepare your students to explore San Francisco Botanical Garden.

Lottery for Spring 2015 Guided School Walks Now Closed

Self-Guided Walks

Teachers are welcome to bring students of all ages for self-guided visits and admission is free. The "Nature Detectives" packet is available for K-5 teachers to help you make the most of your visit. Worksheets on plant adaptations and habitats will help older students explore the garden on their own or in groups. Please contact us at (415) 661-1316 x 407 to let us know of your plans, and please be sure your students understand that the garden not just a park, but a museum with living specimens that must be treated with respect. Above all, have a wonderful time!

Downloadable Packets

Let 'em get dirty

Children's Garden School Program
Research shows that playing in the dirt does a body good. Hands-on programs are offered in our Children's Garden for elementary and middle school groups on a limited basis. Programs require active teacher and parent participation.

Please call for more information. (415) 661-1316 ext. 407

Summer Programs

"From Acorn to Oak" Summer Program for Groups
Summer camp and daycare groups can sign up to participate in a one-day garden program based in our Children's Garden. Designed for K-5 students, this program runs from mid-June through mid-August, weekdays from 10 – 2 pm. Maximum group size is 45 children.

"Garden Explorers" Summer Program for Groups
Children explore the Botanical Garden in small groups with a guide, observing, collecting and sketching. Following the hike, children create a special project to take home, based on their experiences in the garden. This program is designed for groups wishing a shorter program – two hours on Tuesday/Wednesday/Thursday mornings in June and July. Twelve to thirty children can be accommodated on one day.

Please call for more information. (415) 661-1316 ext. 407

Garden Orientations for Teachers

Have you thought about leading your students on a visit to the San Francisco Botanical Garden in Golden Gate Park, but just don't know where to start? Call us to arrange a garden orientation for you and your colleagues, to help you make the most of your visits! These free programs can be scheduled after school, a minimum of 7 teachers is required. Please call for more information. (415) 661-1316 ext. 407.

Professional Development

The Botanical Garden Society offers professional development opportunities in collaboration with the SF Green Schoolyard Alliance, the California Academy of Sciences, and the San Francisco Unified School District. Check back regularly to learn about upcoming programs such as Ecology of the School Garden, At Home in San Francisco, and The Ecoliteracy Institute.

And be sure to check out...

Our Resources
Dig in deep to an armload of rich content...find book lists, maps, learn about how plants talk to animals and much more. Includes activities for classes and families.

San Francisco Botanical Garden's beauty and value as a major cultural resource are the result of a successful public/private partnership between San Francisco Botanical Garden Society and the San Francisco Recreation and Park Department.